Allergy or Cold? How to tell the difference

During the change in seasons it is often commonplace for people to experience symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, coughing and congestion. But how do you know if you are suffering from a cold or allergies?

While colds and allergies produce similar symptoms, they have very different causes - with colds being caused by a virus and allergies triggered by allergens. While it may not seem like it, there are ways to differentiate one from the other.  

Differences between a cold and allergies

• Colds can sometimes produce a fever, but allergies do not.

• Symptoms such as itchy and watery eyes do not normally accompany a cold.

• Body aches do not normally occur with allergies.

• The duration of symptoms - colds normally last 7 to 10 days, but allergies can last as long as the trigger is present, often several weeks.

• Allergic symptoms can also trigger other body reactions such as skin rashes like eczema and hives.

• Allergy symptoms normally occur suddenly and in the presence of particular trigger I.e. pollen on windy days. Whereas colds normally develop gradually, over a few days.

Similarities between a cold and allergies

While there are many differences, colds and allergies can produce similar symptoms including:

• Respiratory symptoms, such as wheezing.

• Fatigue

• Coughing

• Sneezing

• Runny nose or nasal congestion

• Post-nasal drip

If you pay attention to the symptoms you are experiencing and use the above as a checklist, it may help you to determine whether you are suffering from a cold or allergies. While symptoms can appear similar, they are very different health conditions and knowing which one you have will help you seek the right support. If you symptoms don’t improve with treatment, or if you are concerned, you should speak with your health practitioner.